NCGA CALLS FOR PARTNERSHIP, DIALOGUE ON POLLINATOR HEALTH

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(Posted Mon. Nov 24th, 2014)

Four months into the creation of a presidential task force on pollinator health, the National Corn Growers Association has established itself as a leading voice for farmers in the discussion over how to ensure a healthy and robust population of honeybees and other pollinators.

“Although corn does not rely on bees or other pollinators, we recognize their importance to agriculture,” said Glenn. “It’s important for us to be at the table, as a voice for farmers, and engaging in a productive conservation about how to solve this challenge.”

The listening session was the latest in a series of activities from the task force, which was created by a presidential initiative in June and is jointly run by the USDA and EPA. Glenn said NCGA is eager to partner with Task Force members on grower education efforts and to continue dialogue.

“Farmers, beekeepers, conservationists, industry, government – we are all partners. NCGA is committed to finding and implementing solutions that will improve pollinator health and ensure a thriving population that are economically viable and practical for farmers.”

Earlier this year, NCGA joined the newly-formed Honey Bee Health Coalition, a diverse group comprised of more than 30 agricultural organizations and agribusinesses, researchers, beekeepers and conservation groups. The coalition’s mission is to help achieve a healthy population of honey bees and to support healthy populations of pollinators in the context of productive agricultural systems and thriving ecosystems.